Queen and PM lead messages of sympathy

The Queen and Tony Blair have led the public messages of sympathy for the nursing home tragedy which claimed the lives of 13 elderly people.

The Prime Minister said the thoughts of the entire UK would be with the Uddingston community.

"This is a terrible tragedy for the community of North Lanarkshire," he said.

"My heart goes out to those families who have lost loved ones and residents who have been injured.

"I would also pay tribute to the work of our emergency services who fight hard to limit the loss of life.

"The thoughts of the entire country will be with the local community at this very difficult time."

The Queen, in a message to Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell, said: "I was greatly saddened to learn of the loss of life in this morning's fire at Rosepark Nursing Home in Uddingston.

"Through you, First Minister, I wish to convey my heartfelt sympathies to families and friends of all those killed and injured.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them all."

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Devine, said: "It is with great sadness that I learned of the fire and tragic deaths. I offer to the relatives and friends of all who died, and to the entire community, condolences and the promise of my prayers.

"The Balmer family who own the home are well known to me and my thoughts are with them at this traumatic time. The high standards of care that they provided make this incident all the more devastating."